1988 Austin Maestro vs. 1983 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1988 Austin Maestro is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Reliant Scimitar (133 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1988 Austin Maestro. (66 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1988 Austin Maestro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 385 kg more than 1988 Austin Maestro. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 Reliant Scimitar is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1983 Reliant Scimitar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Austin Maestro, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1983 Reliant Scimitar (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Austin Maestro. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1983 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Austin Maestro. 1983 Reliant Scimitar has automatic transmission and 1988 Austin Maestro has manual transmission. 1988 Austin Maestro will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1983 Reliant Scimitar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Austin Maestro | 1983 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Austin | Reliant |
| Model | Maestro | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 915 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2640 mm |
